Girls have for too long been left out of critical conversations that shape the world’s future, but now more than ever, we are beginning to see the incredible power of girls as agents of change and drivers of sustainable development.
I had the privilege of witnessing the potential of the girl-child first-hand during an event in Lagos by IA-Foundation www.ia-foundation.org, where a group of students who had been recently rescued from life on the streets showcased their talents. Their confidence, composure, and ability to rise above their circumstances were awe-inspiring. These young girls, who had faced unimaginable challenges, now stood as a testament to the power of empowerment, education, and opportunity.
When we talk about sustainable development, we aren’t just talking about economic growth or environmental preservation. It’s about creating a just and equitable world where everyone, especially girls, has the opportunity to thrive.
The Importance of Elevating Girls' Voices
Sustainable development cannot be achieved without the full participation of girls. Today, girls around the world are playing a leading role on issues such as climate change, social justice, economic inequality, and healthcare access. However, we must do more than just allowing a few girls to excel and be the token examples; we need to create an environment where the contributions of all girls are respected and acted upon.
One notable figure who recognised the importance of girls’ education was former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who championed the concept of ensuring every girl receives a minimum of 12 years of education. Johnson understood the transformative power of educating girls, and while he may have had his many controversies, his efforts in this area are commendable.
Girls as Leaders for a Sustainable Future
Girls are not merely beneficiaries of sustainable development; they are its drivers. Educated and empowered girls have a ripple effect on their families, communities, and nations. They are more likely to invest in their communities, advocate for policies that promote economic and environmental sustainability, and contribute to economic growth.
Our world today must create environments where girls are encouraged to lead and where their voices are uplifted.
At PSJUK www.psjuk.org , our focus is on empowering vulnerable citizens, particularly girls in conflict-affected regions. These girls face double vulnerabilities: they are less likely to be sent to school, and when they are, they are at higher risk of abduction, forced marriages, and exploitation. In some communities, the lack of access to education forces girls to walk long distances to secondary schools, exposing them to all sorts and in one case I am familiar with, has led to high rates of teenage pregnancies.
PSJUK works to provide these girls with educational opportunities, leadership training, and community support. Our efforts have transformed these vulnerable girls into leaders who advocate for peace, justice, and positive change in their communities.
Economic Empowerment and Education
For sustainable development to be realised, economic empowerment and education must go hand in hand. Girls who are given the opportunity to develop their skills and join the workforce contribute to stronger economies and resilient communities. Yet, too many girls face significant barriers, including limited access to resources and discriminatory social norms.
Education is the key to unlocking the potential of girls. Without it, they are denied the opportunity to fully participate in the decisions that shape their futures. Around the world, millions of girls are still denied this basic right due to poverty, conflict, or gender-based discrimination.
We must work together to dismantle these barriers. By investing in the economic empowerment of girls, we are not only ensuring their personal success but also laying the foundation for more equitable and sustainable economies.
A Call to Action
It is clear that all of us have a role to play in creating a world where girls are empowered to lead. However, this cannot be achieved through words alone—it requires action from governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals.
Here are three key actions we can take to elevate girls’ voices:
1. Invest in Girls' Education and Leadership: Ensure that every girl has access to quality education and leadership opportunities, enabling her to contribute to the sustainable development of her community.
2. Support Girls' Economic Empowerment: Provide the resources and opportunities for girls to thrive in the workforce, creating stronger, more resilient economies.
3. Amplify Girls' Voices in Decision-Making: Ensure that girls are included in decision-making processes at all levels—whether in their communities, in national policy, or on the global stage.
Elevating girls’ voices is not just about giving them a platform to speak—it is about recognising that they are leaders capable of shaping the future of our world. Sustainable development is only possible when we actively listen to and support the voices of girls.
As we work toward a better future, let’s commit to building a world where every girl has the opportunity to lead, to thrive, and to drive the sustainable development that we all strive for. Together, we can create a world where girls are the leaders of today and tomorrow.
